The Chicago Automobile Trade Association presents the USO of Illinois with a check for $37,500, raised from the USO BBQ for the Troops events, during the Clark After Dark block party.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association presents the USO of Illinois with a check for $37,500, raised from the USO BBQ for the Troops events, during the Clark After Dark block party. (Posted By jmorand, Community Contributor)

Posted by jmorand, Community Contributor

CHICAGO (August 16, 2013) – On a mission to raise both awareness and funds, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) teamed up with the USO of Illinois this summer to host community fundraising events in more than 40 communities. On July 20, 70 CATA dealerships joined forces and hosted individual USO Barbecue for the Troops events, collectively raising $37,500 for local troops and their families. The CATA conducted a formal check presentation yesterday during the USO of Illinois’ Clark After Dark annual block party event.

“The CATA's participation in USO Barbecue for the Troops has raised the bar in grassroots support, both locally for our USO of Illinois, and nationally at USO locations across the country,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble.

“At a time when many Americans are enjoying their summer, perhaps taking their liberties for granted, folks like the dedicated members of CATA and those who have contributed to the Barbecue for the Troops effort are pausing to remember the sacrifice our troops and their families still make, every day, in service to our nation. Their expression of gratitude, collectively through this initiative, is an inspiration and will be of great support to USO of Illinois military support programs and services,” said Ruble.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.“I can genuinely speak on behalf of the CATA membership when I say that, as an association, we’re proud to be a part of such a great cause and we’re already looking forward to next year,” said CATA Chairman John Webb. “Once again, thank you to our heroes, both home and away, for all that you do to serve our country.”

The USO Barbecue for the Troops is a national fundraising campaign that encourages organizations and communities to host barbecues and raise funds for local USO programs and services. For more information please contact Jennifer Morand at jmorand@drivechicago.com or visit www.BarbecuefortheTroops.com.

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About The Chicago Automobile Trade AssociationFounded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation’s oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

About the USO of IllinoisThe USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. The mission of the USO is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities. The USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, not a government agency. We are supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org